Hi there everyone.

The nice banner at the top says I should introduce myself so who am I to argue.

My story is a long and sad one, so I'll try make it short and funny. I'm 26 and live in Northern Ireland, lisburn to be exact. I pass my driving test last year and my first car was my mate's old '98 Fiat Punto mk1 75 SX.

Anyway, in the 5/6 months I owned it, the timing belt snapped, the gearbox went, the cylinder head cracked and just 5 miles down the road after selling it, the clutch failed (no, I'm not making this up). Needless to say, my next car was to be a reliable one so I had a look at many sites and forums and started pining after a 96-01 civic. But second hand ones are few and far between with low milage and the servicing can be pricy.

So back to the drawing board and I've been told by various sources that Skoda were bulletproof, even over the great VW. So I looked and saw how a Fabia is generously powered, low insurance and not a bad wee looker either. I've seen a few classic 1.4 models 2002 going for about

To be honest ..they are better than most....the first three years are more than well covered with very good ratings in the top gear surveys and from what I can see they wear well beyond that.....my sons 1.4 mpi fabia needed one tyre in a year and he now has a one year old fabia VRS

there will be a few others with fabias on very soon I would think.

Welcome to Briskoda

Hello :wavey: My 1.4 has been fine (bought from new), but every car is different of course.

In the past, I've arranged an independent check on any secondhand car I've bought (e.g. AA) . The signs are there then: e.g. if a dealer won't allow a check, why not? If the check brings up points (hopefully able to be remedied rather than fundamental), then you have a bargaining tool to ask the dealer to fix them or adjust the price.

I've not had any problems with mine, but a second opinion on a used car might be worth that cost.

Hope this helps

Mo

Edit - I should add that mine has low mileage.

I bought mine from reccomendations (sp?) from every age of driver, and after owning vag cars for the last 8 years , I can honestly say I am very impressed with my Fabia.

I would also buy another, which for me is something unusual..

Welcome to Briskoda.

Well thank you everyone for the warm welcome, it's not often that happens in a forum. (I subscribe to games forums as well)

The Fabia hunt will have to wait another month however, I just got our annual rates bill through last night and it needs paying before mid may.

I'll definately take your advise, Heresmo, and get an AA check. Any idea how much those checks cost? I have questions about styling and that but they can wait until I actually get hold of a car.

Thanks again for making me feel welcome.

Welcome to BRISKODA

This is my first Skoda and indeed my first VAG car and it certainly won't be my last.